Irina Dolinina becomes the first woman in the world to command an Ansat helicopter, operating in the Magadan region of Russia’s Far North.
Russian pilot Irina Dolinina has been recognized as the first woman in the world to command an Ansat helicopter — a light model manufactured by the Kazan Helicopter Plant, part of the “Russian Helicopters” group, under the State Corporation Rostec.
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Currently, Dolinina works for “Kolyma Aviation,” which conducts flights in one of the most challenging regions of the country, characterized by harsh weather and difficult terrain.
Training and Career Path
Irina grew up near aviation areas, between the Chkalovsky airfield and Star City — both places deeply connected to Russia’s aerospace history. After graduating from the Omsk Aviation Technical College, she began her career in Kalmykia and later moved to Siberia, where she became a helicopter commander.
Flight Operations and Routine
In the Magadan region, Dolinina carries out various types of missions with the Ansat helicopter, including medical flights, technical expeditions, and transport of crews to remote areas. The model is known for its lightness, agility, and ability to operate under extreme conditions.
During a press visit to Kolyma, journalists accompanied one of Dolinina’s flights, which showcased the region’s landscape from above — vast tundra areas and unstable weather conditions.
According to Rostec, Irina Dolinina’s operation marks a milestone for the use of the Ansat helicopter in civil missions and highlights the growing presence of women in Russian aviation.
Source and images: Kolyma Aviation | Russian Helicopters | Rostec. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
